Johor Darul Ta’Zim marked the start of 2026 with authority after defeating Selangor FC 2–0 in the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya.
The Southern Tigers came into the match determined to maintain their position at the summit, while Selangor were seeking a first league victory over JDT since 2017. However, once again, the Red Giants were left frustrated as JDT’s dominance continued.
Ager Aketxe returned to JDT’s starting line-up after recovering from injury, while Selangor entrusted Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes to spearhead their attack.
JDT struck early, opening the scoring in the seventh minute through an unfortunate own goal by Selangor defender Richmond Ankrah. The centre-back could only divert Nacho Mendez’s set-piece header into his own net, handing the visitors a crucial early advantage.
Stung by the setback, Selangor responded with greater urgency. They came close to equalising in the 16th minute when Moraes latched onto a pass from Faisal Halim, but his effort was expertly denied by national team goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi Mohamed.
Eleven minutes later, Faisal himself threatened JDT’s goal, only to see his shot skim the side netting. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, JDT’s defence held firm and the score remained 1–0 at the interval.
Selangor made a change at the start of the second half, replacing Ankrah with Zikri Khalili following a shaky defensive display in the opening period.
As JDT struggled to find a second goal, head coach Xisco Munoz turned to his trusted marksman, introducing Bergson da Silva in place of Manuel Hidalgo. The Southern Tigers were later forced into another change when Matt Davies came on for Shahrul Saad, who picked up an injury while chasing down Faisal.
Selangor continued to search for an equaliser but were unable to break through JDT’s disciplined back line. Instead, it was Bergson who delivered the decisive blow, scoring in stoppage time (90+2) to seal a 2–0 victory for the league leaders.
The result sees JDT remain firmly top of the Liga Super standings with 39 points, while Selangor slip to fourth on 25 points, three behind both Kuching City FC and Kuala Lumpur City FC.
JDT will next face Negeri Sembilan in Paroi on January 9, while Selangor travel to Bandar Seri Begawan to take on Brunei DPMM FC a day later.
Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE-Photo
